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Welcome to North Shore Health Department

You may have seen a recent news story about the first child in the state of Oregon to contract Tetanus in the last 30 years. The United States has seen a 95% decline in tetanus cases and 99% in tetanus related deaths since the 1940s. This is largely due to the widespread use of the Tetanus vaccine and proper wound management. For this reason, tetanus is uncommon today, with only about 30 cases reported each year in the U.S. Nearly all of these cases occur in those who are unvaccinated.

The bacteria that causes tetanus can be found almost anywhere in our environment, but especially in dust, soil, and manure. It usually enters through broken skin. The most common symptoms of the infection are tightening and spasms of the jaw muscles, which is why tetanus is often referred to as “lockjaw”. The healthcare costs to treat this disease can be astronomical. The boy in Oregon spent eight weeks in the hospital and his medical bills totaled more than $800,000.

Children are fully vaccinated if they have received five doses of the DTaP series. The first three doses are usually given at 2, 4, and 6 months of age, the fourth dose at 15-18 months, and the final dose at 4-6 years. The CDC recommends booster doses are given every 10 years throughout the lifespan.

North Shore Health News

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection, and local health departments are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections. To date, the investigation has identified four Wisconsin residents who are infected with the same strain (DNA fingerprint) of Salmonella. The four Wisconsin patients are linked to Butterball raw ground turkey products. Additionally, a Minnesota resident with the same strain of Salmonella also reported eating ground turkey, but the brand is unknown. Testing of leftover raw ground turkey received by the Wisconsin patients was also positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella. As a result of this outbreak, Butterball is voluntarily recalling 78,164 pounds of raw ground turkey products. A complete list of products included in the recall can be found in the U.S. Department of Agriculture Recall notice. The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. P-7345” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to institutional and retail locations nationwide. Learn more about this recall, including specific product codes, at: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/031419.htm

Business Owners:

We have learned of recent cases where people, posing as health inspectors, obtain financial information or force payment of unpaid fees. In some cases, the impostor has cited inspection reports. As always, it is important to verify that a health inspector is who they claim to be by checking their ID and obtaining a business card. As a reminder, we will not ask for financial information, nor will we accept payment by credit or debit card in person or over the phone. If you encounter potentially fraudulent activity by an individual claiming to work for the North Shore Health Department or North Shore Environmental Health Consortium, or if you would like to verify identity of an inspector, please call us at 414-371-2980.

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Take Precautions Against
Extreme Cold

The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills over the next several days. If you are in need of shelter, heating assistance, or warm clothing, call 211 for assistance or visit Impact's website at

www.impactinc.org/impact-2-1-1/ for more information.

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Extreme cold can cause frozen pipes. Because water expands as it freezes, this can cause burst pipes. Learn more about preventing frozen pipes at the Red Cross's website.

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Reason to celebrate!

The North Shore Health Department received notification about our Chapter 140 Review from Wisconsin DHS.

The Wisconsin DHS evaluates operations of all 88 local health departments in Wisconsin at a minimum of every five years, establishing departments as level I, II or III. A level III department meets the maximum requirements established for local health departments, including providing a minimum of 14 programs and services beyond those required by State Statutes.

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The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is advising consumers of a food recall for Del Monte canned fiesta corn seasoned with red and green peppers. Del Monte issued the recall on December 11 due to under-processing of this product. This means the product did not complete the sterilization process so there is the potential for Clostridium botulinum bacteria to grow. This bacteria creates toxins which can cause botulism – a life-threatening foodborne illness. Learn more about this recall, including specific product codes, at: https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm628259.htm

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We're receiving numerous reports of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

At this time of year, the most common culprit is norovirus (which used to be called the "stomach flu"). Norovirus is very contagious and it is extremely important to stay home from school and work if you have symptoms, and for 48 hours after symptoms end. Learn more about noro at: https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/index.html

CDC, public health and regulatory officials in several states, Canada, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are investigating a multistate outbreak of E. coli infections linked to romaine lettuce.
CDC is advising that U.S. consumers not eat any romaine lettuce until we learn more about the outbreak. This investigation is ongoing and the advice will be updated as more information is available. http://ow.ly/wnf330mGXow

Prepare to "Fall Back" by checking carbon monoxide Detectors

As we turn back the clocks on November 4th and temperatures continue to fall, North Shore Health Department wants to remind residents to take action to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Click here to view the press release and tips for protecting you and your family from carbon monoxide poisoning

Ground Beef Recall

6,500,966 pounds of raw beef products may be contaminated with Salmonella. Consumers with questions regarding the recall can contact the JBS USA Consumer Hotline at (800)-727-2333.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is warning people about the dangers of synthetic cannabinoids, often called “fake weed”, “K2”, and “spice” as people continue to be hospitalized with severe bleeding after using these products which have contained rat poison

The North Shore Health Department and
SafeKids Southeast Wisconsin have partnered
to help all bicyclists ride safer!
Come to either of our Health Department offices
to be fitted and receive a new bicycle helmet for
just $10.00! Adult and children’s sizes
available.

State Health Agency Announces Free HIV Testing Now Available at Select Walgreens Pharmacies in Milwaukee

The Department of Health Services (DHS) today announced a collaborative effort with Walgreens to provide free rapid HIV testing for anyone 18 years of age or older, with or without health insurance, at five Walgreens pharmacies in Milwaukee.

The rapid HIV testing is now available at the following Walgreens pharmacy locations in Milwaukee:

Lead Poisoning Prevention Toolkit

The North Shore Health Department has worked with local partners to put together a comprehensive Heroin, Opioid and Prescription Drug Information and Resource Guide for family and friends. Access the guide online at: www.nshealthdept.org/heroin

Our Mission

In partnership with the communities we serve, the North Shore Health Department assures, promotes, and protects the health and safety of the people in the North Shore.

Contact NSHD

The North Shore Health Department offices are staffed Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm. Please contact us at (414)371-2980 during our regular business hours or e-mail us at nshd@browndeerwi.org

If you have an urgent public heath need during non-office hours, please call the Bayside Communications Center's non-emergency number at (414) 351-9900 and the appropriate public health authorities will be notified.